Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. You can do this by making a family disaster plan, getting basic emergency training, and assembling an emergency kit full of essential supplies, which will help you endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Make a Family Disaster Plan
Identify escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find safe spots in your home especially for tornadoes and shelter-in-place.
Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency (like a fire) and outside your neighborhood if you can't return home.
Pick a family contact in another state who everyone can contact if separated in an emergency.
Conduct emergency drills once a year.
Make plans for your pets if you need to evacuate.
Get Basic Emergency Training
Take classes on first aid and CPR.
Teach your family how and when to call 911 and how to use fire extinguishers.
Learn how and when to turn utilities off. Teach all age-appropriate family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.